National Business

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ending the threat of a government shutdown until after the holidays, Congress gave final approval Wednesday night to a temporary government funding package that pushes a confrontation over the federal budget into the new year.

WOODSIDE, Calif. (AP) — U.S.

More competition is needed in Canada’s grocery sector as consumers grapple with higher food prices, said Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, after two of the country's largest grocers reported higher sales and profits in the most recent quarter.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (20,057.89, up 34.16): Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB). Energy. Up 16 cents, or 0.35 per cent, to $45.72 on 14.6 million shares.

TORONTO — Strength in battery metal and technology stocks helped outweigh softness in energy, lifting Canada's main stock index on Wednesday, while U.S. stock markets also rose. The S&P/TSX composite index closed up 34.16 points at 20,057.

Metro Inc.

Loblaw Cos. Ltd. said it's continuing to expand its footprint of discount stores as consumers trade down after a run of high food inflation.

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street added a bit more to its big rally from a day before and to its gains so far for November. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% Wednesday. The Dow climbed 163 points, and the Nasdaq composite edged up 0.1%.

NEW YORK (AP) — Americans cut back on retail spending in October, ending six straight months of gains, though the decline was partly driven by falling prices for both gasoline and cars. Retail sales fell 0.1% last month after jumping a strong 0.

Although seniors tend to consider downsizing as they get older, a large proportion are instead choosing to age in their home rather than put it on the market, according to a report by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. on Wednesday.